Lifespan Hermit Crab: How Long Can Your Pet Live?
We love our hermit crab pets, but how long will they live in captivity? The lifespan of a hermit crab can vary depending on the level of care they get, plus the type (species) and environment in which they live.
The good news? Hermit crabs can live longer than dogs!
For a long hermit crab lifespan, it’s important to you to provide:
- a healthy crabitat
- good basic care
- solid understanding of hermit crab behavior
Provide these three elements and your hermit crab pets will grow and thrive for years! But how many years can your hermit crab pets live? Read on!
Species Matters: What Type of Hermit Crab Do you Have?
An interesting fact related to the lifespan of a hermit crab: in the wild their lifespan is believed to be shorter than a well-cared-for hermit crab in captivity due to predators and other environmental factors they face.
There are over 800 species of hermit crabs, and each has a different lifespan.
The most common hermit crab species in the U.S., the Caribbean hermit crab (aka Purple Pincher), often lives over 20 years when well cared for. Here’s more information on this species, the Coenobita Clypeatus, here.
Conversely, the Pacific hermit crab typically lives for about 10 years. Other species won’t live in captivity for very long at all, and should be left in the wild.
Here’s more information on types of hermit crab with photos.
How to Increase Hermit Crab Lifespan?
How to Increase the Lifespan of Your Hermit Crab? There are 6 basic needs you should provide for your pets, and these elements will help your hermit crabs live healthy happy lives.
1. FOOD and NUTRITION
Learn their food preferences, test new foods, try to feed (and remove uneaten food) around the same times every day, and make sure to provide a well-balanced and varied diet that meets their nutritional needs. [Hermit Crab Pets Food and Nutrition Cheat Sheet / Click Here]
2. CARE
Handing, bathing, regular feedings and diet supplements, how to leave them when you travel, keeping their crabitat clean and with some humidity… all easy once you have a good system in place! Build your system how you’ll care for your shy little hermies and they’ll be so healthy and happy! [How to Care for Hermit Crab Pets / Click Here]
3. CRABITATS
Hermit Crab Habitats that bring natural habitat elements in are CRABITATS! Provide plenty of places for burrowing, climbing and hiding, for feeding and water. Crabitats can be made from tanks and aquariums, wire cages and even display cases and attractive pieces of furniture! Check our this [Ikea Detolf Crabitat Hack / Click Here]
4. BEHAVIORS
Hermit crab behaviors are easy to learn. Once you understand them, you’ll be able to protect them and help them thrive, increasing their lifespan! [7 Hermit Crab Behaviors You Watch For / Click Here]
5. EXTRA SHELLS
Provide extra shells in your hermit crab habitat at all times. Offer a selection of different shapes and sizes, as hermit crabs can be a little picky about which home they choose next. Some hermies like round openings, some like to switch more often than others. And when they don’t have a new home they like, it can cause drama, fighting and injury! [Hermit Crab Shells and What You Need to Know / Click Here]
6. TYPES OF HERMIT CRABS
There are many different types of hermit crabs. Each species comes from different parts of the world, different habitats and can have varying preferred foods, shell preferences and behaviors. By learning about the types of hermies you have, and any relevant specifics about their species, you can ensure a more happy and cohesive Crabitat for all. It’s important to note that different species of hermit crabs all have different hermit crab lifespans.
[Types of Hermit Crabs and Why It’s Important to Know Which You Have / Click Here]
Last update on 2024-05-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API